Blaze Berlowitz Shocks College Football: Decommits from Vanderbilt, Commits to Michigan Over Oregon, Auburn, and Tennessee
December 11, 2024
In one of the most surprising moves of this year’s college football recruiting cycle, five-star quarterback Blaze Berlowitz has decommitted from Vanderbilt University and announced his commitment to the University of Michigan. Berlowitz’s decision comes as a shock to Commodores fans and shakes up the recruiting landscape, as the Georgia native had been the centerpiece of Vanderbilt’s class and was heavily pursued by several powerhouse programs, including Oregon, Auburn, and Tennessee.
Blaze Berlowitz: A Rising Star
Berlowitz, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound quarterback from Buford High School in Georgia, is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 7 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports. Known for his cannon-like arm, football IQ, and athleticism, Berlowitz has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence.
In his senior season, Berlowitz threw for 3,800 yards and 42 touchdowns, with just three interceptions, while also rushing for 600 yards and 10 scores. His performances led Buford to a state championship, solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation.
Berlowitz initially committed to Vanderbilt in June, citing the Commodores’ academic prestige and the opportunity to lead a program on the rise. However, as the recruiting process intensified, it became clear that other schools were not giving up on their pursuit of the elite quarterback.
The Decommitment Announcement
On Wednesday afternoon, Berlowitz took to social media to announce his decision.
“After much thought and prayer, I have decided to decommit from Vanderbilt University. I want to thank Coach Clark Lea and the entire Vanderbilt staff for believing in me and providing me with an incredible opportunity. However, my heart is leading me in a different direction,” Berlowitz wrote.
Later that evening, he posted a follow-up announcement: “I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Michigan! Go Blue!”
The news sent shockwaves through the college football world, as Berlowitz had long been considered a cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s efforts to build a competitive program in the SEC.
Why Michigan?
Michigan’s recruitment of Berlowitz had been relentless despite his commitment to Vanderbilt. Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell were reportedly in frequent contact with the quarterback and his family, emphasizing Michigan’s recent success and its ability to develop NFL-ready players.
In recent years, Michigan has established itself as a perennial College Football Playoff contender, winning back-to-back Big Ten championships and producing elite talent at the quarterback position. Current starter J.J. McCarthy is expected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick, further solidifying the program’s reputation as a quarterback factory.
“Michigan checked all the boxes for me,” Berlowitz said in an interview following his announcement. “The tradition, the winning culture, the academics, and the opportunity to compete for national championships—it just felt like the perfect fit.”
Berlowitz also cited Michigan’s revamped offensive scheme as a major factor in his decision. “Coach Campbell’s vision for the offense and how he sees me fitting into it really stood out. I want to be challenged, and I believe Michigan will prepare me to reach my full potential.”
Impact on Vanderbilt
For Vanderbilt, losing Berlowitz is a significant blow. The Commodores have struggled to gain traction in the highly competitive SEC, and Berlowitz was viewed as a potential program-changer. His commitment had given Vanderbilt fans hope for a brighter future, and his departure leaves a gaping hole in their 2025 recruiting class.
Head coach Clark Lea released a statement addressing the decommitment:
“While we are disappointed by Blaze’s decision, we respect his right to make the best choice for his future. We wish him nothing but success at Michigan and beyond. Our focus remains on building a program that attracts and develops outstanding student-athletes who are committed to our vision.”
Lea and his staff will now have to pivot quickly to find a new quarterback for their class, though replacing a talent of Berlowitz’s caliber will be no easy task.
The Battle for Blaze
Berlowitz’s decommitment set off a fierce recruiting battle among several top programs. In addition to Michigan, Oregon, Auburn, and Tennessee made strong pushes to land the elite quarterback.
Oregon, with its high-powered offense under head coach Dan Lanning, pitched Berlowitz on the opportunity to play in a quarterback-friendly system that has produced recent NFL talent like Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. Auburn emphasized its SEC pedigree and the chance to compete against the best defenses in the nation. Tennessee, a program on the rise under head coach Josh Heupel, highlighted its explosive offense and proximity to Berlowitz’s home state of Georgia.
Ultimately, Michigan’s combination of on-field success, player development, and academic excellence won out.
What’s Next for Michigan?
Berlowitz’s commitment is a game-changer for Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, which now ranks among the top five nationally. He joins an already strong group that includes five-star wide receiver Malik James and elite offensive tackle Ethan Harrington.
With Berlowitz in the fold, Michigan’s future at the quarterback position looks bright. The Wolverines’ current depth chart includes promising underclassmen, but Berlowitz’s arrival will undoubtedly elevate the competition.
“He’s a guy who can come in and make an impact right away,” said recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “Michigan’s offense is evolving, and Blaze has the tools to thrive in a pro-style system with spread concepts. This is a huge win for Jim Harbaugh and his staff.”
Fan Reactions
Reactions to Berlowitz’s decision have been mixed, with Michigan fans celebrating while Vanderbilt supporters expressed heartbreak and frustration.
“Welcome to the family, Blaze! Can’t wait to see you in the Big House!” one Michigan fan tweeted.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt fans took to social media to vent their disappointment. “This one hurts. We really thought Blaze was going to be the guy to turn things around,” one fan wrote.
Despite the backlash, Berlowitz has remained positive, thanking Vanderbilt fans for their support during his recruitment. “I have nothing but love for the Commodore community,” he said. “Vanderbilt is a special place, and I’ll always appreciate the relationships I built there.”
Looking Ahead
As signing day approaches, Blaze Berlowitz’s flip to Michigan will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about stories of the recruiting cycle. For Michigan, his commitment solidifies their status as a national power and positions them as a favorite in future College Football Playoff races.
For Vanderbilt, the loss of Berlowitz is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by smaller programs in retaining elite talent. However, the Commodores remain determined to build a competitive team, even as they regroup from this setback.
Blaze Berlowitz’s journey is just beginning, and all eyes will be on Ann Arbor as he takes the next step in his football career. Whether he becomes the next great Michigan quarterback or faces challenges adapting to the college game, one thing is certain: his decision has already left an indelible mark on college football.
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